Wisconsin Republicans have never exhibited much concern for the local environment. In fact, they have long favored aggressive road-building projects, invasive mining and relaxed emissions standards as vital segments of the state's ecosystem perish. The latest GOP assault, this time on the pact that governs usage of Great Lakes water across eight states and two Canadian provinces, is yet another example of right-wing politicians putting big business and rampant consumption ahead of the greater good.
Perhaps we should expect nothing less. State Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-West Salem, is leading the charge, calling the Assembly to reject the pact since it makes Wisconsin too dependent on other governments in determining water usage. It sounds nice, but it is also a lie.
What Gunderson and other Republicans would really like is the chance to funnel water off the shores of Lake Michigan and deliver it to sprawling suburbs and eager businesses that lie west of the pact's boundaries. Never mind telling people who live where water is scarce that they should use less. Instead, the argument goes, walk away from successful agreements, bully state Democrats in Congress and use as much as you please.
It is probably too much to expect politicians like Gunderson, or his ally, state Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, to enjoy alliances with other governments. Their party, after all, brought America the Iraq war and has supported a president who seems to view political disagreements with outright contempt.
But something more is at stake If the right wing gets what it wants and Wisconsin walks away from the pact, it will only be a matter of time before Great Lakes water is being sold to the highest bidder, regardless of environmental and economic consequences. Las Vegas politicians are already sniffing around the Midwest in hopes of keeping their artificially hydrated city growing. Might they shake the right hands and soon find a steady water supply from Wisconsin?
For years, the right has denounced scientists and politicians who dare to question irresponsible patterns of consumption. The environmentalists are putting people second, they claim, and would rather a person suffer than a rare bird or fish. That line of thinking, however, has already brought on rapid climate change, a crippling lack of water in many parts of the country and a series of wars in the Middle East. Those consequences have direct and painful effects on humans, although poor people are more likely to suffer, and they, coincidentally, do not drive the Republican Party.
Governor Doyle has so far supported the Great Lakes Pact and hopefully will continue to do so. The agreement exists for a reason, namely to prevent reckless and harmful use of such an important water source. But Democrats in the Assembly should take the issue a step further and call Gunderson and others to account for their greediness and willingness to cater to the rich and powerful rather than Wisconsin and the Midwest as a whole.
